by Mike Rosenberg

Looking for more Warcraft action? Want to get a chance to play with some of most iconic characters in the Warcraft universe? Are you someone who loves the fast-paced action that comes from deck-building games?

If any or all of these apply to you, then you'll be happy to know that, right here at Darkmoon Faire Los Angeles, Cryptozoic is holding demos for their upcoming deck-building game, World of Warcraft: Clash of Champions!

People who have played Penny Arcade The Game: Gamers vs. Evil will be able to quickly pick up on Clash of Champions. The new Warcraft inspired deck-building game draws upon some of the mechanical elements from the Penny Arcade game. Each player starts the game by picking an iconic Warcraft character to represent them. From Lady Sylvanas Windrunner to King Varian Wrynn, you can choose from six heroes to represent in the game (plus a bonus seventh that will be available as a promo.)

Each hero comes with starting deck instructions, along with four iconic cards that represent the hero's powers in the Warcraft universe. Each player starts the game with a number of Kobolds and Valor cards, each representing the two different resources used to buy bigger and more exciting cards for your deck). The twist? Each player also chooses one of their four special hero cards to include in their deck, which often do more exciting things when played and help guide players in the choice of cards to add to their deck.

As players increase the power of their decks by purchasing equipment such as the Gladiator's Greatsword and Aurastone Hammer, or by enlisting the aid of ferocious monsters such as the Ghoul Army, they will be able to enlist the help of legendary heroes, or slay bosses. Both are a big deal, as legendary heroes and boss loots not only give big bonuses (allowing players to defeat even bigger bosses at the later stages of the game,) but they also reward big points at the end of the game.

Once all of the bosses are defeated, all of the legendary heroes are acquired, or if six piles of cards have been completely purchased (whichever comes first,) the game ends. Players who have the most points at the end of the game, represented on the bottom left of some cards, will be declared the winner.

The game has plenty of depth, as players move into strategies based on what their starting heroes are best at achieving. Some emphasize earning damage that can be used to slay the late stages of Onyxia, whereas others are best at achieving valor, which can be used to recruit bigger and more powerful legendary heroes. Both have exciting effects on the game that can let you have some big turns!

While World of Warcraft: Clash of Champions is a lot of fun, you'll have to wait until later this year to pick up a copy. However, it's not the only game available to demo here this weekend. Check back later for sneak peeks at more of our upcoming games!